by Libby, Seth
“You and your soul stuff,” Leah said with a snort, then continued more seriously with a touch of sadness. “Well, none of this matters anyway, seeing as he disappeared over two months ago and hasn’t deemed it necessary to contact me . . .”
Leah trailed off as a man, roughly in his sixties, stood a few feet away, looking at her. Annoyed that it seemed he had been listening to their conversation, she turned to him.
“Excuse me, but hasn’t anyone told you that it’s rude to listen to other people’s private conversations?” she asked angrily.
“Oh, I apologize. My name is Milton Johansin. I didn’t mean to appear to listen in on your conversation. It is just I am looking for someone, and I believe you are that someone,” explained the older man.
Taken aback, Leah was unsure what to say next. She was angry, yet now her curiosity had kicked in and she was curious about this gentleman.
“Okay, what makes you think I am who you are looking for?” asked Leah questioningly.
“Your name is Leah Aecrin? The only Leah who works at this establishment? You are acquainted with a Liam Brennan?” asked Milton.
Shocked at the mention of Liam’s name, Leah shot to her feet. “Liam? You know where Liam is? Tell me where he is . . . is he all right? Can I talk to him?” said Leah in a high voice, attracting the attention of customers around them.
“Calm down, young lady. Yes, I know where Liam is. He is quite all right, but I am afraid you cannot speak with him. However, Liam has asked that I deliver you a message from him,” said Milton.
“What message?” asked a frowning Leah.
But Milton didn’t speak; he simply reached into his jacket, withdrew a thumb drive and held it out to Leah. Leah looked from the thumb drive to Milton and back again before reaching out and taking it. Without a word, the man turned and walked toward the door, but before he exited from the store, he turned back and said in a loud voice, “I suggest you watch the news today at 2:00 p.m. It will answer a lot of questions.” Then he turned back to the door, exited, and got into a waiting car that drove off once he was inside.
Looking at the thumb drive, Leah wondered what was on it. Walking out back to the office, she sat down at the store’s computer. Locating a free USB port, she inserted the thumb drive into the computer. The computer automatically recognized the thumb drive and an options menu appeared on the screen. Grabbing the mouse, she moved the cursor over the file and quickly depressed the left mouse button to activate it. No sound played for the first few seconds. Then, right as Leah was about to give up, Liam’s voice filled her ears:
Hello, Leah,
I am sorry I couldn’t deliver this message to you in person. I am part of something very big. I am again sorry, but I cannot tell you what it is--only that I hope you understand why I do this and I hope you will be proud of me. I also hope you know that I am sorry about the last time we spoke and hope you can forgive me. I wish we had more time together so I could make up for the way I acted toward you, but unfortunately, that cannot be.
I do have to tell you that you saved my life the day you and I met. I was in a bad place before that. I wanted so much to die. I felt there was nothing left to live for after I lost my wife. I thought that my one chance at love was gone with Sarah’s death, but I was wrong. I know you don’t feel the same about me, but please know this: I love you with all my heart. For a long time, I thought I would be betraying my wife by falling in love with you, but it was foolish of me to think that. As I know, she would want me to find love again. You are who I found that love with, even if you don’t see me in the same light.
I just needed to tell you this, for you to know that you are an incredible person who saved the life of someone who felt he had nothing left to live for. Now it is my turn to save a life: yours and hopefully many others. I love you, Leah, with all my heart. {end}
Leah sat there for a long time after the message ended before she noticed the salty taste on her lips. She hadn’t even realized she had been crying, but now that she did, she started to cry harder. What did the message mean? What was he doing that he wouldn’t ever be able to see her again?
August 15, 2012, 2:00 p.m. ESTFedEx Field, Washington, DC
President Adam Sheehan looked over his shoulder at the gathering of the world leaders seated behind him on the stage that had been erected at one end of the stadium. A large black curtain hung behind the dignitaries for those people they wished to remain hidden from the media for the moment. Taking a deep breath, he thought of how he had reached this point and of what was to come. He had never been much of a religious man, but he had been praying ever since he had heard the dire news. Looking around, he watched for the signal that they were about to go live around the world. Ten seconds later it came, and he still wasn’t sure he was ready for this. Standing, he walked to the podium, looked over all of the major media crews from around the world gathered in front of him, and began the speech he had rehearsed a hundred times over.
“Welcome, everyone. Welcome, the world! Today is a turning point for Earth. Many of you have heard rumors that have been circulating about a threat to Earth. Today, we are here to set those rumors straight.
“It brings me great distress to inform you that those rumors are correct. Roughly three months ago, an alien race known to us as the Meshtrell made contact with Earth. They brought us a warning of a dire threat to Earth that is headed our way. That threat is called the Shenkar, a savage, warlike race of aliens bent on subjugating or utterly destroying any sentient beings. Their fleet is capable of decimating any current defense we can throw against them.
“Current estimates of the Shenkar fleet place them at roughly two months before one of their scout ships passes close enough to pick up random transmissions from Earth. The Meshtrell say it will take the Shenkar another month after that to pull in their fleet for one massive assault on Earth in which the human race will be either shattered or utterly destroyed. The Shenkar fleet is composed of one hundred capital ships with another hundred support ships, ten thousand fighters, and ten million Shenkar shock troops.”
President Sheehan paused as a low buzz of conversation broke out in the crowd of men and women. The President held up a hand to silence everyone before he spoke again.
“While I understand the dread you must all feel, there is hope. Behold, the Meshtrell.” The President waved a hand to his left just as a trio of Meshtrell came onto the stage. They stood momentarily as the crowd buzzed louder than before in conversation. After a few moments, they proceeded to make their way to three open seats with the rest of the world dignitaries. Once they were seated, the President turned back to the crowd and spoke.
“The Meshtrell bring the technology we will need to combat the Shenkar. When the Meshtrell fled from the fiery devastation dealt out by the Shenkar, they brought a ship: a ship capable of building shipyards to build our capital ships and the fighter craft we will need to fight back. Over the past few months, the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, Japan, Australia, and France have been secretly working with the Meshtrell, building those weapons of war. Men and women both are being trained to man and pilot these ships as we speak--to pilot the space naval forces of the new multinational Earth Defense Force.”
Many people looked shocked at the mention of women in combat and, by the looks of it, were ready to argue this.
“Before anyone asks, I will address the issue of women in combat. We need to look past our hesitancy concerning women in combat. With the world’s population so depleted due to the recent Avian influenza pandemic, it is a necessity to include women who are capable of fighting. This will not be a war of politics; it is not a war to prove who owns the rights to govern. This is a war for humanity. Make no mistake about this: whether you are a man or woman, the Shenkar will kill you. It comes down to the simple fact that we will die if we cannot build up enough of a fleet to stand against the Shenkar. Our children will not be able to grow up if we do not do what is necessary.”<
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Silence descended over the crowd of men and women. No one spoke as they sat and waited for the President to continue.
“So far, in secret we have managed to build a small fleet, but it’s still nothing in comparison to the size of the Shenkar Dread Fleet. If all goes as planned, we will have a fleet equal to the Shenkar fleet in three more months.”
At this, he paused for a few moments to allow this information to process with the crowd. Once he started to notice several people realizing the problem in this, he continued.
“Yes, there is a slight problem, as I have seen many of you have already puzzled out. We will be ready three months after the Shenkar have massed their fleet and assaulted Earth. To resolve this, we have something special in mind: a group of men and women willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. Through the Meshtrell, we have found a special group of men and women who, with the help of an enhancement process provided by the Meshtrell, will undertake a mission against the Shenkar. But first let me introduce you to these men and women. They have volunteered to partake in this mission, a mission of the utmost importance. They go selflessly to make a line against the coming storm. However, they go willingly, knowing that their sacrifice will give us the precious time we need.
“In ancient times, there was a group of warriors like this, putting their lives on the line during bleak times. They stood for what was honorable: defenders for the weak. Knights were their titles, and knights are what these men and women will be--not just any knights, but a specific order of knights. Centuries ago, there was an order of knights who served a greater good. They served with their lives and were rumored to have protected a great treasure . . . they were the Templar Knights. These men and women are knights, and the Earth is their treasure. So with no more delay, let me introduce you to the New Templar Order and the steeds they will ride into battle on.”
As he finished, the President threw his left hand up again, this time pointing to the rear, as a thunderous roar shattered the stadium. Ten sleek black planes crossed the top of the stadium, hovering in a semicircle wingtip to wingtip. Except for wings that slanted forward and down slightly, the fighters resembled the American F-22 Raptor.
Slowly, the fighters moved forward, each coming to a spot around the stadium and then slowly descending onto roped-off areas spread around the field, directly behind the media crews. As the fighters made their descents, men and women entered the stadium from behind the black curtain to the left and the right of the President, each line branching out. They walked down the outside of the football field until they were evenly spaced out, lining the entire field.
All were dressed in black suits; the only color in the black suits were two patches, one on the left shoulder, the other over the left breast. One patch showed a flag of the country from which the pilot came from, and the other patch showed Earth with a black background and gold trim. Above the Earth were the words “Earth Defense Force,” and below, the words “New Templar Order.” The entire suit was covered in shimmering black segmented armor of an unknown substance, and none wore any visible weapons.
Media cameras followed the men and women as their corresponding reporters spoke. Then as the futuristic fighters came to a stop on the field, the cameras came to rest on the fighters. Canopies rose, and pilots stood in their cockpits.
August 15, 2012, 2:10 p.m. ESTCarl’s Electronics
Leah watched the screen in fascination, thinking, When did the world go crazy?
“Wow, this is nuts;--can you believe this?” said Erica as she stared at the television.
Employees and customers alike stood, stared, and listened to the worldwide broadcast--many with mouths hung open and some even with looks of terror of the news of what was to come.
“OH, MY GOD!” cried Erica, causing Leah’s head to snap toward her.
But Erica was focused on the television, one hand raised in a pointing gesture, which was showing one of the pilots standing in his fighter. Leah was about to turn back to Erica to ask her what was wrong when she took a second glance at the pilot. It was Liam--or was it? He looked so much younger that it couldn’t be him, yet Leah knew somehow deep down that it was.
“What is he doing there?” cried Leah.
“It appears that he is part of this New Templar Order . . . quiet, the President is talking again,” said Erica.
August 15, 2012, 2:13 p.m. ESTFedEx Field, Washington, DC
“These men and women are to undergo a mission of the utmost importance. These 360 pilots, with another 200 men and women who are the crew of the Battlecruiser Sacrifice, will try and slow the Shenkar to give us the precious time we will need to finish the fleet. They go to perform hit-and-run missions, use guerrilla tactics, and do what is necessary.”
Taking a deep breath, the President gave the crowd an almost-sad look.
“You people need to understand something. These men and women go knowing that they won’t be coming back. In truth, we doubt one battlecruiser can slow the Shenkar for long, but it is our only hope. These 360 men and women go to sacrifice their lives in the hopes to save all of you. Possibly, all 560 could perish if the Battlecruiser is unable to return. If they succeed, we will owe the men and women of the New Templar Order and possibly the crew of Sacrifice thanks beyond measure. It pains me to send people to their deaths, and if there were any other way . . .”
At this, the President’s voice choked off and he bowed his head. After a few moments, the President looked up, his gaze toward the media. “And now I will take questions.”
A torrent of voices struck out at the President, and he pointed, singling out a young man.
“You said the battlecruiser will try to return. Why is it not to engage the Shenkar while the pilots are to sacrifice themselves?”
“We are trying to hide the fact that we have the use of a battlecruiser. You see, if the Shenkar learn we have a battlecruiser that we are willing to sacrifice, then we believe they will reason out that we have the ability to marshal more battlecruisers to stand against them. Furthermore, if they learn that the Meshtrell are here on Earth, then they will know we have the technology to stand against them, resulting in either one of two possibilities: one, the Shenkar still gather their fleet as fast as they possibly can and assault Earth, or two, the Shenkar delay their assault to call in more ships. The second possibility is one we don’t want them to consider. This is why the pilots are not to allow themselves to be captured. A captured pilot could be tortured into divulging the strengths and weaknesses of Earth, in addition to information concerning the Meshtrell.
“Another reason is, if the Shenkar do not know who it is that is assaulting their gathering fleet, there is a slight possibility they may hesitate long enough for us to augment our defenses beyond anything the Shenkar can marshal against us. Every day they are delayed, we will be able to gather a larger fleet. Every day the Earth Defense Force grows in strength, our chance of survival grows with it.”
August 15, 2012, 2:36 p.m. ESTCarl’s Electronics
Leah sat in stunned silence, tears flowing down her cheeks, not caring if anyone saw her crying. Erica placed an arm around her and murmured in her ear. “It’s okay; let’s go out back.”
Leah felt Erica’s arm squeeze her and guided her out of her seat, walking her through the break room to the rear of the store.
“I’ve lost him,” whispered Leah, her voice full of anguish.
“I’m so sorry. Maybe he will make it back? He is a very determined guy when he has his mind set on something,” Erica said to Leah with a slight smile on her face.
“Maybe,” Leah said through choking sobs, her whole body trembling. But Leah didn’t believe it. All she could do was think of the last words she had said to Liam and regret them. She swore to herself that if she ever got the chance again, she would grab on to Liam, tell him how much she loved him, and never let go.
August 15, 2012, 3:58 p.m. ESTFedEx Field, Washington, DC
The broadcast had been over for over an hour now, but none
of the media had departed. Instead, they walked around, speaking with dignitaries, scientists, or even a Templar pilot, if that pilot chose to speak in return--and most, it seemed, had no problem doing just that.
President Sheehan looked over the crowd as they milled about engaged in various conversations. All of Necro Squadron’s pilots still stood near their cockpits as they watched the crowd.
“That lot isn’t very talkative, are they?”
Startled, President Sheehan turned to see Prime Minister Denshire standing there, smiling.
“What was that?” he asked.
“I said, those pilots are not very talkative.” Denshire nodded his head toward the group President Sheehan had just been watching.
“Yes, I was just wondering about that very same thing. All of the other pilots seem to have no problem speaking with the media or the dignitaries, except for those men and women.”
“You know, I even notice several reporters calling up to the one known as Lieutenant Brennan--or “Ghost” as his fellow pilots call him--yet he didn’t even look at them. All he did was continue to stare forward as if he were elsewhere.”
August 15, 2012, 3:59 p.m. ESTFedEx Field, Washington, DC
Indeed, Liam had been “elsewhere” as the Prime Minister had put it. He had been thinking of all he had done in his life. He had never really felt complete; it always seemed that something was missing, even with Sarah. True enough, he had loved Sarah with all his heart before she had passed away, but he always had a nagging feeling that he was destined for something more. He felt that, had he become involved with Leah, that feeling would still have been present.